Piney Orchard Band Series Kicks Off With Caribbean Flare

Residents of Piney Orchard and other local communities enjoyed the Caribbean sound of the Chesapeake Steel Drum Band on Saturday as the popular "Bands By The Pond" series got underway.

After a few days of heat and humidity, the combination of Caribbean music, a cool breeze and even a few drizzles of rain appeared to be just the summer remedy needed.

"I think it's a great event, it's a good band. It's nice to know you have local folks here from Odenton who know how to play the steel drums," Piney Orchard Community Association President Jeff Andrade said.

Chesapeake Steel Drum Band, which consists of anywhere between 10 to 15 members, performed for three hours behind the Piney Orchard Community Center.

A diverse group of more than 50 people stayed to enjoy the music, weather and food from Expressway Pit Beef.

Herb Hasenpusch, a Piney Orchard resident of 11 years, is regular in the Chesapeake Steel Drum Band. The band performs on a semi-regular basis, but to play in front of friends and neighbors was a special treat, he said. 

"I definitely like playing for my neighbors," said Hasenpusch, who serves as the executive officer for the Anne Arundel County Police Department's Western District.

The "Bands By The Pond" series made its debut last summer and is one of a number of community-related events that Piney Orchard puts on for its residents and the surrounding area.

Rocco Praglowski, a new resident of Piney Orchard, said he enjoys what events like this can do to bring people together.

"It's events like this that create that sense of community and it's something that more communities should do."

Piney Orchard locals can expect more events like "Bands By The Pond" in the future.

"This something we want to continue to build upon," Andrade said.

"Bands By The Pond" will return July 9, with a Latin Jazz theme to the music. Several bands will occupy the 4-7 p.m. time slot. Expressway Pit Beef will also return to make sure there is food on site to purchase.